Four Year Old Medical invoice sent first time in form of Dun-Letter!

[gentilleperson]

Good grief - I recently received a collection letter for a bill for services given 4 years ago. An invoice was never sent to me and apparently the medical office has just this year decided to send billing to my insurance carrier of that era. Insurance (amazingly) paid some of it and have denied others because 1) bills were not submitted within 6 months of service and 2) costs far exceed what they consider reasonable. Now the collection agency says I owe $2500 to cover what the insurance didn't. Do I really owe this after 4 years? The medical office was severely disorganized and I'm not that surprised it took them 4 years to send out bills, but this is not my problem - what should I do? I am just a working single woman (currently not employed) and don't have the $2500 but don't want my credit ruined for some shady doctor.

 

[Michael Wechsler]

You're not alone. How do you know that the doctor's office didn't send the bills out on time and that they only just recently attempted to submit the bills for payment? What state are you in? You may need to send a written letter to the collections agency that the debt is not a valid debt in order to begin the process of getting this matter resolved.

 

[gentilleperson]

thanks for that reply - I am in New York State and have been at the same address for the past six years and have never received a bill from that doctor nor have I seen any insurance printouts generated by them. I began receiving the insurance printouts this year, this same time I received a dun letter, because that is when the doctor decided to finally submit. The collection agency told me they had heard the same story from others, that they didn't receive a bill, only a collection letter. I sent the agency a letter saying I don't believe I am liable, and they have sent back a letter that threatens to increase the bill since they are 'working with my insurance to settle amicably'. Apparently I should feel lucky it is only $2500. I am disgusted by this! What do you suggest?

 

[Michael Wechsler]

Wow... that's a large bill. Your best bet is to obtain proof of the billing issue and you may need to file a suit - perhaps against the doctor - in order to initiate discovery and a potential recovery. But for the doctor's own negligence apparently this bill would have been paid. Good luck... this is always a challenge.